paul clemence captures renzo piano’s futuristic & tubular science gateway building at CERN

Science Gateway building to open at the cern in geneva

Photographer Paul Clemence returns with a new visual series, this time capturing the essence of Renzo Piano Building Workshop‘s latest architectural creation: the Science Gateway building in Geneva, Switzerland. Sited amid a landscape of foliage on the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) campus, the soon-to-open complex marks its presence unapologetically. ‘Between the tubular structure and sprawling photovoltaic collectors’ fields hovering above the pavilions, the design has a most definite futuristic tone, nodding respectfully towards the cutting-edge technology developed at CERN,’ writes Clemence. 

renzo piano’s striking design through the lens of paul clemence

Exploring Paul Clemence’s photographs, a play of light and shadow takes center stage, coupled with shots of pure architectural details that exemplify CERN’s fascinating quest to uncover some of the universe’s most complex dimensions: particle research. Whether captured from afar or up close, the images highlight the building’s solid white and industrial materiality, steadily softened by generous windows and glazed walkways that cut through the Science Gateway’s main volumes. Vertical and horizontal elements dramatically expand across the Renzo Piano-designed complex, punctuated by rhyhmic patterns across most surfaces. These juxtaposing elements endow the overall building with a rational yet sculptural appeal. 

One of the most striking elements of the Science Gateway building are the two tubular structures jutting forward, reminiscent of the CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. Together, they form a T-shape with the glazed walkway. A second hero feature takes shape as expansive photovoltaic collectors that gently complement the surrounding tree canopies peppered across the campus, a sight captured poetically by Paul Clemence. The building will officially open its doors on October 8th, 2023. 

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project info:

name: Science Gateway building

location: CERN | @cern, Geneva, Switzerland 

architecture studio: Renzo Piano Building Workshop | @rpbw_architects

photographer: Paul Clemence | @photobyclemence

opening date: October 8, 2023